RLRs are a complex of sensor proteins that include RIG-I, melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), and the more recently discovered probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DHX58 (also known as LGP2) (Jiang et al., 2011; Leiva-Juárez et al., 2018). RIG-I binds to 5’-PPP RNA and short dsRNA, while MDA5 binds to longer RNA fragments (Huang et al., 2014). Binding of pathogenic RNAs induces conformational changes in RIG-I and MDA5, and after that post-translational modifications activate these proteins. Importantly, RIG-I is activated by E3 ligase tripartite motif protein 25 (TRIM25) via polyubiquitination at K172 residue (Sanchez et al., 2016); MDA5 is proteolytically inactivated by the polyubiquitination mediated by poly (rC) binding protein 2 (PCBP2) with assistance from AIP4/ITCH (Atrophin 1 Interacting Protein 4; also called ITCH) (You et al., 2009). LGP2 acts as a facilitator to enhance viral sensing by RIG-1 and MDA5 (Satoh et al., 2010). Activated RIG-I and MDA5 then mount the downstream signaling cascade via centrally placed mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) and eventually lead to the coordinated activation of IRF3/IRF7 transcription factors (Figure 2). Activated IRF3/7 translocates to the nucleus and induces expression of IFNs via IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) reviewed by West et al. (2011) and Rehwinkel and Gack (2020). Thus, centrally placed MAVS activation induces expression of IFN genes via IRF3 and IRF7 pathways and recruitment of other innate immune cells, majorly by proinflammatory molecules secreted via NF κB signaling (Figure 2). Similarly, activation of endogenous TLR pathway induces expression of IFN type I, type III, and more specifically, proinflammatory molecules via the NF κB pathway (Gong et al., 2020). Blocking of either IRF3/7 or NF κB pathway has a detrimental effect on host cells that invariably allows propagation of the virus (Lazear et al., 2013; Schmitz et al., 2014; Totura et al., 2015; Chiang and Liu, 2019). In animal studies, mice that are deficient in TLR signaling exhibit robust infection and severe pathological condition during SARS-CoV infection. TLR3 and TLR4 knockout mice exhibited increased viral titers associated with lung damage and a higher mortality rate (Totura et al., 2015). Mice with a knockout of myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88), which acts downstream of TLR signaling had increased damage to the lung parenchyma with a 90% mortality rate (Sheahan et al., 2008). Conversely, activation of endogenous TLR signaling by TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9 or cell surface-expressed TLR4 signaling was associated with a significant decrease in viral propagation, attenuated lung damage, and increased the survival rate in SARS-CoV infected animals (Zhao et al., 2012). These findings thus point to an integral role of these molecular sensors in mounting early protective antiviral response and aiding viral clearance.